#RIOrtho Q & A

What causes orthodontic problems, and how will early prevention benefit my child?

Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb sucking habits.

Most children have lost all their baby teeth by age 13 and by the end of their teen years the jaw bones will harden and no longer continue to grow. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction and the possibility of oral surgery. As a child, receiving early orthodontic treatment can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.

If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact Rhode Island Orthodontic Group and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.

We Use State of the Art Technology

Rhode Island Orthodontic Group understands that crafting a great smile takes time, but with today’s technology we can deliver results faster to our patients by using cutting edge tools such as a digital scanner that allows us to capture digital images of your teeth and bite rather than using uncomfortable, unpleasant-tasting, messy and sometimes inaccurate impressions.Not only does this new technology tool help us get your results faster, but they also make treatment easier on you as a patient.

It’s time to say goodbye to those messy molds associated with beginning orthodontic treatment, and say hello to our digital scanners. Our digital scanning technology allow us to provide a more comfortable procedure while treating patients for orthodontics. We can capture an extremely accurate digital impression of teeth within minutes with the scanners, and print orthodontic appliance parts as we need them.

Another awesome fact about the 3D technology is we can use them with all Invisalign related services.

Orthodontics is a life-changing experience, and we appreciate the opportunity to share in the experience with you as you enhance your smile! The doctors and staff at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group look forward to seeing you soon!

Make S'mores on a Stick for National S'mores Day

Did you know today is National S'mores Day? If you're not familiar with this delicious treat, traditionally s'mores is a popular dessert amongst campers. Typically, you camp, sit around a fire, and toast marshmallows that you use to create a gooey scrumptious sandwich combined with chocolate bars and graham crackers.

If you want to celebrate National S'mores Day today, we encourage you to do so! Want to try something different? Add some flare to your s'mores! Try out this new s'more recipe and let us know what you think!

S'mores on a Stick Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, divided
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 24 whole graham crackers, broken in half
• Assorted sprinkles
• 24 Popsicle sticks

Directions

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave 2/3 cup milk on high for 1-1/2 minutes. Add marshmallows and 1 cup chips; stir until smooth. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto 24 graham cracker halves; spread evenly. Top with remaining graham cracker halves; press down gently.
2. Microwave remaining milk for 1-1/2 minutes. Add remaining chips; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cookies; decorate with sprinkles. Let stand for 2 hours before inserting a Popsicle stick into the center of each. Yield: 2 dozen.

DIY Banana Split Pudding Pops

Enjoy the rest of the summer with this tasty homemade snack that's sure to be a hit at any age. You probably have all the ingredients you need already! Skip store-bought popsicles and opt for a DIY version with this delicious BRACES FRIENDLY Banana Split Pudding Pops!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 banana
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice
• 1 cup chopped strawberries
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp thick chocolate fudge sauce
• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (4 serving size)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

INSTRUCTIONS

• Prepare your fruit. In a medium bowl, mash together the banana and pineapple juice.
• Stir together your strawberries and sugar and let sit 5 minutes. Puree, and then strain into a second medium bowl.
• In a third medium bowl, add the chocolate fudge sauce.
• In a large bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix and milk and stir only until combined (don’t mix too long or the pudding will thicken too quickly!). Quickly stir in whipped topping.
• Divide pudding mixture between the 3 bowls and stir to combine (try not to stir too much or the pudding will become thick and harder to pour).
• Divide strawberry pudding mixture between 6-8 popsicle moulds. Divide banana pudding mixture between the popsicle moulds, pouring on top of the strawberry pudding. Divide chocolate pudding mixture between the moulds, pouring on top of the banana pudding. Freeze 6-8 hours until firm. To unmould, run briefly under luke warm water.